The UAE residents are continuing to plan international summer holidays closer to their travel dates, with nearly 70 percent of travel searches taking place within one month of departure, according to new insights from travel marketplace Wego.
The latest data from Wego showed growing interest in destinations that offer convenient travel options, varied experiences and affordable fares, as many travellers look for last-minute summer getaways.
Top summer choices
Georgia, Türkiye, Uzbekistan, Thailand, Vietnam and Bali emerged among the destinations seeing increased demand from UAE travellers for July travel.
Georgia recorded a 7.8 percent year-on-year increase in searches for July trips in June. Known for its mountain scenery, historic towns and cooler summer weather, the destination attracted interest from travellers looking for a mix of culture, nature and outdoor activities. Average airfares to Georgia started from Dhs1,475.
Türkiye also saw strong demand, with June searches for July departures rising 34.5 percent compared with the same period last year. Average airfares started from Dhs1,338.
Rising interest
Wego’s data showed that bookings to Georgia and Türkiye were made an average of 25 days before departure. Around 8 to 10 percent of bookings to both destinations were completed within a week of travel.
Uzbekistan recorded the highest growth among the destinations tracked, with searches for July travel increasing 78.4 percent year-on-year in June. The Central Asian destination, known for its historic Silk Road cities and cooler continental climate, also saw strong last-minute demand, with 17 percent of bookings made within a week of departure.
Average airfares to Uzbekistan started from Dhs1,309.
Beach destinations
Thailand continued to attract UAE travellers with its beaches, cities and cultural attractions. Searches for July travel increased 12.7 percent compared with June last year, with average airfares starting from Dhs2,477.
Vietnam also gained popularity among travellers seeking nature, food and heritage experiences. Searches for July departures rose 23.3 percent year-on-year, while travellers booked an average of 27 days before departure. Average airfares started from Dhs1,806.
Bali, Indonesia, remained a popular choice for those looking for beaches, wellness experiences and cultural attractions. Searches for July departures increased 24.2 percent compared with the same month last year, with travellers booking around 28 days before departure. Average airfares started from Dhs3,009.
Travel trends
Mamoun Hmidan, Chief Business Officer at Wego, said: “We’re seeing strong interest from UAE travellers who are continuing to plan summer holidays even closer to departure. Flexibility has become an increasingly important part of the travel planning process, with travellers actively comparing destinations based on accessibility, value, and the experiences available. Destinations that offer a combination of convenience, diverse attractions, and competitive pricing continue to perform particularly well during the summer travel period.”
The travel data indicates that destinations combining easy access, diverse experiences and competitive fares are likely to remain popular among UAE travellers during the summer season.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
